Method for controlling operation of external electronic device and wearable electronic device supporting same

Abstract

A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment may comprise a communication circuit, a sensor, at least one processor including a processing circuit, and a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to control, in a state in which a value of an authentication setting, which indicates whether user authentication is required to control the operation of an external electronic device, is set to a first value, the operation of the external electronic device by transmitting a signal to the external electronic device via the communication circuit on the basis that the wearable electronic device worn on a finger of a user approaches the external electronic device, the signal including information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to the first value. The first value may indicate that the wearable electronic device may control the operation of the external electronic device without the user authentication. The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to detect, via the sensor, that the wearing of the wearable electronic device is released from the finger of the user. The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to set, on the basis of detecting that the wearing of the wearable electronic device is released from the finger of the user, the value of the authentication setting to a second value indicating that the user authentication is required for the wearable electronic device to control the operation of the external electronic device.

Description

Method for controlling the operation of an external electronic device and a wearable electronic device supporting the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling the operation of an external electronic device and a wearable electronic device supporting the same.

[0002] Electronic devices are evolving into diverse forms for user convenience and are becoming smaller and more portable. A smart ring is a wearable electronic device that can be worn on the user's finger. It can measure the user's biometric information and provide health-related information.

[0003] Electronic devices can perform various functions by performing user authentication. For example, a smartphone can unlock its device using a designated authentication method (e.g., a password, pattern, or fingerprint). Furthermore, electronic devices can perform various functions based on user input via physical or soft keys.

[0004] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for controlling the operation of an external electronic device, which can cause a wearable electronic device (e.g., a smart ring) to perform an operation of an external electronic device (e.g., a smart phone) by bringing the wearable electronic device (e.g., a smart ring) close to or in contact with the external electronic device, and a wearable electronic device supporting the same.

[0006] The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0007] A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment may include a communication circuit, a sensor, at least one processor including a processing circuit, and a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to control an operation of the external electronic device by transmitting a signal to the external electronic device through the communication circuit, the signal including information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to a first value, based on the wearable electronic device being worn on a user's finger and approaching the external electronic device, while the value of the authentication setting indicating whether user authentication is required to control an operation of the external electronic device is set to a first value. The first value may indicate that the wearable electronic device can control the operation of the external electronic device without authentication of the user. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to detect, through the sensor, that the wearable electronic device is removed from the user's finger. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to set a value of the authentication setting to a second value indicating that authentication of the user is required for the wearable electronic device to control the operation of the external electronic device based on detecting that the wearable electronic device is removed from the user's finger.

[0008] A method for controlling an operation of an external electronic device in a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment may include an operation of controlling an operation of the external electronic device by transmitting a signal including information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to the first value to the external electronic device through a communication circuit of the wearable electronic device based on the wearable electronic device being worn on a user's finger and approaching the external electronic device while a value of an authentication setting indicating whether user authentication is required to control the operation of the external electronic device is set to a first value. The first value may indicate that the wearable electronic device can control the operation of the external electronic device without authentication of the user. The method may include an operation of detecting that the wearable electronic device is removed from the user's finger through a sensor of the wearable electronic device. The method may include an operation of setting a value of the authentication setting to a second value indicating that authentication of the user is required for the wearable electronic device to control the operation of the external electronic device based on detecting that the wearable electronic device is removed from the user's finger.

[0009] In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having recorded thereon computer-executable instructions, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause a wearable electronic device to control an operation of the external electronic device by transmitting a signal to the external electronic device through a communication circuit of the wearable electronic device, the signal including information indicating that a value of an authentication setting indicating whether user authentication is required to control an operation of the external electronic device is set to a first value, based on the wearable electronic device being worn on a user's finger and approaching the external electronic device. The first value may indicate that the wearable electronic device can control the operation of the external electronic device without authentication of the user. The computer-executable instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to detect, through a sensor of the wearable electronic device, that the wearable electronic device is removed from the user's finger. The computer-executable instructions, when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to set a value of the authentication setting to a second value indicating that authentication of the user is required for the wearable electronic device to control the operation of the external electronic device based on detecting that the wearable electronic device has been removed from the user's finger.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a registration operation and an initial authentication operation according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a registration operation according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an initial authentication operation according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the operation of an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a method for controlling the operation of an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing a first re-authentication using a finger joint fingerprint according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method for performing a first re-authentication using a finger joint fingerprint according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing second re-authentication using biometric information according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method for performing a second re-authentication using biometric information according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing a third re-authentication according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a method for setting an operation for unlocking an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining a method for setting an operation of displaying AOD information of an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 17 is a drawing for explaining a method for setting an operation for activating an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a registration operation and an initial authentication operation according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a re-authentication operation according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100), according to one embodiment.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0031] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor)) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0032] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0033] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0034] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0035] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0036] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0037] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0038] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0039] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0040] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0041] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0042] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0043] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0044] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0045] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0046] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0047] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0048] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0049] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0050] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0051] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0052] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0053] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0054] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0055] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0057] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0058] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wearable electronic device (201) according to one embodiment.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a wearable electronic device (201) according to one embodiment.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment, a wearable electronic device may be included in the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0061] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may include a housing (210). The housing (210) may form the overall appearance of the wearable electronic device (201).

[0062] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may be ring-shaped. The housing (210) may include an opening configured to receive a user's finger. For example, the opening may be defined as a hole formed in the housing (210).

[0063] In one embodiment, the housing (210) may include an outer housing portion (211) or an inner housing portion (212). The inner housing portion (212) may be coupled to the outer housing portion (211). In one embodiment, the outer housing portion (211) and the inner housing portion (212) may be manufactured separately and assembled, or may be formed integrally.

[0064] In one embodiment, the outer housing portion (211) may include a material capable of withstanding external impacts and / or scratches and implementing design features. For example, the outer housing portion (211) may include at least one of titanium, stainless steel, or ceramic. The outer housing portion (211) may be color-treated or coated to implement the design.

[0065] In one embodiment, the inner housing portion (212) may be a portion that comes into contact with a user's finger when the user wears the wearable electronic device (201). The inner housing portion (212) may be made of a material such as a molding material for sensing, transparent plastic, or glass. For example, the inner housing portion (212) may be configured to be at least partially transparent. For example, the inner housing portion (212) may include a material that is transparent to light for measuring biometric information. At least a portion of the inner housing portion (212) may be made of a material that is substantially the same as or similar to the outer housing portion (211). In addition, at least a portion of the inner housing portion (212) may include a metal material for measuring biometric information.

[0066] In one embodiment, an outer housing portion (211) and an inner housing portion (212) may be combined to provide an internal space of the housing (210). Various electrical / electronic components of the wearable electronic device (201) may be arranged and / or mounted in the internal space of the housing (210). For example, the housing (210) may accommodate various electrical / electronic components.

[0067] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may include a processor (320) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1). For example, the processor (320) may be an application processor (AP), a supplementary processor (e.g., sensor hub) (SP), a central processor unit (CPU), a neural processor unit (NPU), a graphics processor unit (GPU), or an internet of things (IoT) processor.

[0068] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may include a communication module (310). The communication module (310) may include an NFC module and / or a Bluetooth module. However, the communication modules included in the communication module (310) are not limited to an NFC module and / or a Bluetooth module.

[0069] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may include an antenna (313). The antenna (313) may be an antenna for wireless communication. The antenna (313) may include a single or multiple segmented antennas. A portion of the housing (210) of the wearable electronic device (201) may be utilized as the antenna (313).

[0070] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may include a memory (330). The wearable electronic device (201) may store data (e.g., sensing data, communication data) in the memory (330). The memory (330) may be integrated with the processor (320).

[0071] In one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (201) may include a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor (341, 342, 343). The PPG sensor (341, 342, 343) may be a sensor that irradiates light onto a living body and receives the light absorbed, scattered, or reflected. The wearable electronic device (201) may identify a biological signal by using the PPG sensor (341, 342, 343). One or more light emitting units (341) of the PPG sensor may emit light of various bands and may be composed of elements such as a light emitting diode (LED), a laser, or a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). The band of the light emitting unit (341) may include green, red, and IR (Infrared). One or more light-receiving units (342) of the PPG sensor can receive light reflected and / or transmitted from light emitted from the light-emitting unit (341). A signal (e.g., light) acquired through the light-receiving unit (342) can be converted through an analog to digital converter (ADC) and stored in a memory (330) or a sensor buffer. The light-receiving unit (342) can be composed of a photodiode (PD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). The control unit (343) of the PPG sensor can be an integrated circuit (IC) or an analog front end (AFE), and can control the light-emitting unit (341) and the light-receiving unit (342), process received data, and transmit the same to the processor (320) or store it in the memory (330).

[0072] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may include an inertial sensor (351). The inertial sensor (351) may be a sensor that detects inertia, such as an acceleration sensor or a gyroscope. The inertial sensor (351) may include only an acceleration sensor (e.g., a 3-axis sensor), or may include an acceleration sensor and a gyroscope (e.g., a 6-axis sensor). The wearable electronic device (201) may sense motion, gesture, impact, posture, and activity (sedentary, moving, sports) of the wearable electronic device (201) by using the inertial sensor (351).

[0073] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may include a temperature sensor (352). The temperature sensor (352) may be a sensor that measures the temperature of a living body or a component. The temperature sensor (352) may be a contact-type or a non-contact-type sensor, depending on the method. The temperature value measured by the temperature sensor (352) may be stored in the memory (330) or transmitted to the processor (320). By using the temperature sensor (352), the wearable electronic device (201) may estimate the temperature of a living body (e.g., the user's body temperature), estimate the temperature of the wearable electronic device (201), or recognize the situation around the wearable electronic device (201).

[0074] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may include a battery (360). The battery (360) may be a device that converts and stores chemical energy into electricity to power the wearable electronic device (201). The battery (360) (e.g., a secondary battery) is rechargeable and dischargeable, and may be configured in various ways depending on the material, such as lithium ion, mercury, or dry cell. The battery (360) may include a flexible battery pack that corresponds to the housing (210). The battery (360) may include a plurality of non-flexible battery packs. The battery (360) may also include flexible battery packs and non-flexible battery packs.

[0075] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may include a charging circuit (370). The charging circuit (370) may be configured to support wired charging (e.g., terminal, pogo pin) and / or wireless charging (e.g., WPC, NFC) methods for charging the wearable electronic device (201) (e.g., battery (360)). The wearable electronic device (201) may charge the battery (360) through the charging circuit (370).

[0076] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may include a power management module (380). The power management module (380) may be a module that manages power of the wearable electronic device (201). The wearable electronic device (201) may distribute and control power appropriately to the processor (320) and sensors (e.g., 341, 342, 343, 351, 352) through the power management module (380).

[0077] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may include a substrate (390). For example, the substrate (390) may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). Various components, such as a communication module (310), a processor (320), a memory (330), sensors (e.g., 341, 342, 343, 351, 352), a battery (360), and a power management module (380), may be disposed on the substrate (390). The various components disposed on the substrate (390) may be electrically connected.

[0078] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (201) may include an audio output module, a haptic module, a light output module (e.g., a light emitting diode; LED), or other component (399).

[0079] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a wearable electronic device (401) according to one embodiment.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (401) may be included in the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or the wearable electronic device (201) of FIGS. 2 and 3. For example, the wearable electronic device (401) may be a smart ring in the form of a ring that can be worn on a user's finger, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the wearable electronic device (401) may include a smart watch that can be worn on the user's wrist in the form of a watch, or an HMD (head mounted display device, e.g., augmented reality (AR) glasses, virtual reality (VR) glasses) that can be worn on the user's head. Hereinafter, the description is made assuming that the wearable electronic device (401) is a smart ring, but at least some of the operations of the wearable electronic device (401) described below may be applied identically or similarly even when the wearable electronic device (401) is a smart watch or an HMD device.

[0081] In one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (401) may include communication circuitry (410), a sensor (420), memory (430), and / or a processor (440).

[0082] In one embodiment, the communication circuit (410) may be included in the communication module (190) of FIG. 1, or the communication module (310) of FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0083] In one embodiment, the communication circuit (410) may include an NFC circuit (411) and a Bluetooth circuit (412).

[0084] In one embodiment, the near field communication (NFC) circuit (411) may enable the wearable electronic device (401) and the external electronic device (e.g., a smart phone) to communicate when the wearable electronic device (401) is brought into proximity (or in contact) with the external electronic device. For example, the NFC circuit (411) may enable the wearable electronic device (401) and the external electronic device to communicate when the wearable electronic device (401) is brought into proximity to the external electronic device within a distance where NFC communication is possible.

[0085] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (401) may include, in addition to or in place of the NFC circuit (411), another short-range communication circuit capable of performing contactless or contact-based communication between electronic devices. For example, the wearable electronic device (401) may include, in addition to or in place of the NFC circuit (411), an MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) circuit. When the wearable electronic device (401) includes the other short-range communication circuit (e.g., the MST circuit), the operations using the NFC circuit (411) described below may be performed using the other short-range communication circuit.

[0086] In one embodiment, the Bluetooth circuit (412) may enable the wearable electronic device (401) to perform Bluetooth communication with an external electronic device. The Bluetooth circuit (412) may support Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication and / or Bluetooth classic communication.

[0087] In one embodiment, the sensor (420) may be included in the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1. The sensor may include at least one of the sensors (e.g., 341, 342, 343, 351, 352) of FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0088] In one embodiment, the sensor (420) may include a fingerprint sensor (421).

[0089] In one embodiment, the fingerprint sensor (421) may be configured to acquire sensing data regarding a user's finger joint fingerprint. A finger joint fingerprint may be a fingerprint formed on a finger joint by the joint movement of each finger. The fingerprint sensor (421) may acquire sensing data regarding the user's finger joint fingerprint and transmit the acquired sensing data to the processor (440). The processor (440) may acquire information regarding the finger joint fingerprint by analyzing the wrinkles of the finger joint or the pattern formed by the finger joint fingerprint based on the sensing data.

[0090] In one embodiment, the biometric sensor (422) may be configured to acquire sensing data related to various biometric information of the user. For example, the biometric sensor (422) may include the PPG sensors (341, 342, 343) of FIGS. 2 and 3 . When the biometric sensor (422) includes the PPG sensor, biometric information including at least one of blood pressure, heart rate, stress index, or blood oxygen concentration may be acquired based on sensing data acquired through the PPG sensor. However, the sensor included in the biometric sensor (422) is not limited to the PPG sensor. For example, the biometric sensor (422) may further include an ECG (electrocardiogram) sensor capable of acquiring a biometric signal using electrodes.

[0091] Although not shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the sensor (420) may further include a temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor (352) of FIG. 3) that may enable the wearable electronic device (401) to obtain (or estimate) the user's temperature.

[0092] In one embodiment, the memory (430) may be included in the memory (130) of FIG. 1, or may be the memory (330) of FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0093] In one embodiment, the memory (430) may store information necessary to perform operations for controlling the operation of an external electronic device. The information that the memory (430) stores for controlling the operation of the external electronic device will be described in detail later. The memory (430) may store instructions. When executed by one or more processors (e.g., processor (440)), the instructions may cause the wearable electronic device (401) to perform operations for controlling the operation of the external electronic device (e.g., operations described in FIG. 5 and below).

[0094] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may be the processor (120) of FIG. 1, or the processor (320) of FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0095] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may control the overall operation for controlling the operation of the external electronic device. The processor (440) may include one or more processors. The one or more processors (440) may individually or collectively execute the instructions that cause the wearable electronic device (401) to perform operations for controlling the operation of the external electronic device.

[0096] In FIG. 4, the wearable electronic device (401) is illustrated as including, but not limited to, a communication circuit (410), a sensor (420), a memory (430), and a processor (440). For example, the wearable electronic device (401) may further include at least one of the components included in the electronic device of FIG. 1, or the components included in the wearable electronic device (401) of FIGS. 2 and 3. For example, the wearable electronic device (401) may not include some of the components illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0097] FIG. 5 is a flowchart (500) for explaining a registration operation and an initial authentication operation according to one embodiment.

[0098] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a registration operation according to one embodiment.

[0099] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an initial authentication operation according to one embodiment.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, in operation 501, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may establish a connection with an external electronic device via the communication circuit (410).

[0101] In one embodiment, in FIG. 6, the processor (440) may establish a connection between the wearable electronic device (401) and an external electronic device (610) (e.g., a smart phone) through the Bluetooth circuit (412) or the NFC circuit (411). For example, the processor (440) may establish a connection with the external electronic device through the Bluetooth circuit (412) based on activating the Bluetooth circuit (412) (e.g., a BLE circuit). For example, the processor (440) may establish a connection with the external electronic device through the NFC circuit (411) based on the wearable electronic device (401) and the external electronic device being in proximity within an NFC communication range (or based on the wearable electronic device (401) and the external electronic device being in contact. Although the examples described above illustrate that the connection with the external electronic device (610) is established through the Bluetooth circuit (412) or the NFC circuit (411), the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the processor (440) may establish a connection with an external electronic device using other short-range communication circuits (e.g., MST circuits).

[0102] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may establish a connection with an external electronic device through the communication circuit (410) while the wearable electronic device (401) is worn on the user's finger. For example, the processor (440) may obtain a PPG signal (e.g., a waveform of the PPG signal) through a biometric sensor (422) (e.g., a PPG sensor). Based on the obtained PPG signal, the processor (440) may determine whether the wearable electronic device (401) is worn on the user's finger. Based on determining that the wearable electronic device (401) is worn on the user's finger, the processor (440) may establish a connection with the external electronic device through the communication circuit (410).

[0103] In operation 503, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may transmit a unique identifier (ID) of the wearable electronic device (401) to the external electronic device via the communication circuit (410) based on establishing a connection with the external electronic device. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the processor (440) may transmit a unique ID (621) of the wearable electronic device (401) to the external electronic device (610) via the NFC circuit (411) or the Bluetooth circuit (412) based on establishing a connection with the external electronic device (610).

[0104] In one embodiment, the unique ID of the wearable electronic device (401) transmitted to the external electronic device in operation 503 (hereinafter referred to as “unique ID of the wearable electronic device (401)”) may be unique information of the wearable electronic device (401) for identifying the wearable electronic device (401) from other electronic devices. For example, the unique ID of the wearable electronic device (401) may be a unique ID of an NFC circuit (411) (hereinafter also referred to as an “NFC chip”). The unique ID of the NFC circuit (411) may be stored in an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) included in the NFC circuit (411). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the unique ID of the wearable electronic device (401) may be a unique ID of a component included in the wearable electronic device (401) other than the NFC circuit (411) (e.g., a BT address of the Bluetooth circuit (412)). For example, the unique ID of the NFC circuit (411) may be stored in the memory (430) of the wearable electronic device (401) other than the EEPROM included in the NFC circuit (411).

[0105] In operation 505, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may receive a unique ID of the external electronic device from the external electronic device through the communication circuit (410) based on establishing a connection with the external electronic device. For example, in FIG. 6, the processor (440) may receive a unique ID (622) of the external electronic device from the external electronic device (610) through the NFC circuit (411) or the Bluetooth circuit (412) based on establishing a connection with the external electronic device (610).

[0106] In one embodiment, the unique ID of the external electronic device received from the external electronic device in operation 505 (hereinafter referred to as the “unique ID of the external electronic device”) may be unique information of the external electronic device for identifying the external electronic device from other electronic devices. For example, the unique ID of the external electronic device may include the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of the external electronic device. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the unique ID of the external electronic device may include all of the unique IDs of the external electronic device other than the IMEI, or the unique ID of a component included in the external electronic device.

[0107] Although FIG. 5 illustrates that operation 503 is performed prior to operation 505, this is not a limitation. For example, operation 503 may be performed after operation 505, or operations 503 and 505 may be performed substantially simultaneously. Hereinafter, operations 503 and 505 may be referred to as operations for exchanging unique IDs of the wearable electronic device (401) and the external electronic device.

[0108] In operation 507, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may generate a registration ID, registration settings, and authentication settings.

[0109] In one embodiment, the registration ID generated by the wearable electronic device (401) may be information for identifying an external electronic device whose operation can be controlled by the wearable electronic device (401). For example, the registration ID generated by the wearable electronic device (401) may be information for specifying an external electronic device that can be controlled by the wearable electronic device (401) so as to distinguish it from other external electronic devices whose operation cannot be controlled by the wearable electronic device (401).

[0110] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may generate a registration ID by combining the unique ID of the wearable electronic device (401) and the unique ID of the external electronic device based on receiving the unique ID of the external electronic device from the external electronic device through the communication circuit (410). For example, the processor (440) may generate a registration ID by combining the IMEI of the external electronic device received from the external electronic device through the communication circuit (410) and the unique ID of the NFC circuit (411). For example, the unique ID of the NFC circuit (411) may be "0xE00401437B5BDB10", and the IMEI of the external electronic device may be "0x1428665F515C1". The processor (440) can generate "0xE00401437B5BDB101428665F515C1" by combining "0xE00401437B5BDB10" and "0x1428665F515C1". The processor (440) can set "0xE00401437B5BDB101428665F515C1" as the registration ID.

[0111] In one embodiment, the above-described example illustrates, but is not limited to, generating a registration ID by combining the unique ID of the wearable electronic device (401) and the unique ID of the external electronic device. For example, the processor (440) may also generate the unique ID of the external electronic device as the registration ID.

[0112] In one embodiment, the registration setting (also referred to as a "registration bit") may be a setting indicating that a registration ID is generated.

[0113] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may generate (e.g., set) a registration setting based on generating a registration ID, and set the value of the registration setting to a first value (e.g., “1” or “set”) indicating that a registration ID is generated.

[0114] In one embodiment, an authentication setting (also referred to as an “authentication bit”) generated (e.g., set) in the wearable electronic device (401) may be a setting indicating whether user authentication is required to control the operation of an external electronic device corresponding to the registration ID (e.g., the external electronic device that transmitted the unique ID used to generate the registration ID). For example, if user authentication is not required to control the operation of the external electronic device, the processor (440) may set the authentication setting of the wearable electronic device (401) to a first value (e.g., “1” or “set”). If user authentication is required to control the operation of the external electronic device, the processor (440) may set the authentication setting of the wearable electronic device (401) to a second value (e.g., “0” or “clear”). For example, the processor (440) may set the authentication setting of the wearable electronic device (401) to a second value (e.g., “0” or “clear”) when success of initial authentication or re-authentication (e.g., first re-authentication, second re-authentication, or third re-authentication) to be described later is required to control the operation of the external electronic device. The processor (440) may set the authentication setting of the wearable electronic device (401) to a first value to indicate a state in which the operation of the external electronic device can be controlled by bringing the wearable electronic device (401) and the external electronic device into proximity (or contact) without user authentication.

[0115] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may generate (e.g., set) an authentication setting other than the registration setting based on generating a registration ID corresponding to the external electronic device (also referred to as a “registration ID for the external electronic device”), and set the value of the authentication setting to a second value indicating that user authentication is required to control the operation of the external electronic device. For example, when generating the registration ID, the processor (440) may generate (e.g., set) an authentication setting in which the second value is set by default in addition to the registration setting set to the first value.

[0116] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may store the values ​​of the registration settings and the values ​​of the authentication settings corresponding to the registration ID in the wearable electronic device (401) by mapping (or “corresponding”) them to the registration ID. For example, the processor (440) may store the values ​​of the registration settings and the values ​​of the authentication settings mapped to the registration ID in the EEPROM of the NFC circuit (411) (e.g., an EEPROM included in an NFC chip). However, the configuration in which the values ​​of the registration settings and the values ​​of the authentication settings mapped to the registration ID are stored is not limited to the EEPROM of the NFC circuit (411). For example, the values ​​of the registration settings and the values ​​of the authentication settings mapped to the registration ID may be stored in the memory (430) as a configuration of the wearable electronic device (401) independent of the NFC circuit (411).

[0117] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may store registration IDs, registration setting values, and authentication setting values ​​corresponding to a plurality of external electronic devices, respectively, in the EEPROM of the NFC circuit (411). For example, the processor (440) may store registration IDs, registration setting values, and authentication setting values ​​corresponding to a plurality of external electronic devices, respectively, in the EEPROM memory of the NFC circuit (411) in the form of a table or a database, as shown in [Table 1] below.

[0118] Registration IDRegistration bitAuthentication bitFirst registration IDFirst valueSecond valueSecond registration IDFirst valueFirst value.........

[0119] In one embodiment, in [Table 1], the first registration ID may correspond to the first external electronic device, and the second registration ID may correspond to the second external electronic device. In one embodiment, the processor (440) may, in addition to the registration ID, registration settings, and authentication settings, generate (e.g., set) a setting (hereinafter referred to as “authentication history setting”) that indicates whether there is a history of successful initial authentication for the wearable electronic device (401). For example, if the initial authentication for the wearable electronic device (401) is successful, the processor (440) may set the value of the authentication history setting to a first value (e.g., “1” or “set”), and if the authentication history setting is not successful, the processor (440) may set the value of the authentication history setting to a second value (e.g., “0” or “clear”). The processor (440) may map the value of the authentication history setting to a registration ID and store it.

[0120] In one embodiment, the re-authentication described below (e.g., the first re-authentication, the second re-authentication, or the third re-authentication) may be performed only if the initial authentication has a history of success. For example, the re-authentication may be performed if the authentication history setting is set to the first value (e.g., if the authentication history setting is set to the first value and the authentication setting is set to the first value).

[0121] However, the operation of determining whether there is a history of successful initial authentication for a wearable electronic device (401) is not limited to the example described above. Initial authentication for a wearable electronic device (401) will be described in detail later.

[0122] In one embodiment, although operations 503 to 507 describe the wearable electronic device (401) generating a registration ID, registration settings, and authentication settings, an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (610)) may also perform operations substantially the same as operations 503 to 507. For example, the external electronic device may transmit a unique ID (e.g., IMEI) of the external electronic device to the wearable electronic device (401) and receive a unique ID of the wearable electronic device (401) from the wearable electronic device (401) based on establishing a connection with the wearable electronic device (401). The external electronic device may generate a registration ID (e.g., a registration ID corresponding to the wearable electronic device (401)) by combining the unique ID of the wearable electronic device (401) and the unique ID of the external electronic device. The external electronic device may generate (e.g., set) registration settings and authentication settings based on the registration ID generated, set the value of the registration settings to a first value, and set the value of the authentication settings to a second value. The external electronic device may store the values ​​of the registration settings and the authentication settings, which are mapped to the registration ID corresponding to the wearable electronic device (401), in the memory of the external electronic device.

[0123] In one embodiment, the operation of exchanging unique IDs between the wearable electronic device (401) and the external electronic device through operations 503 and 505, and generating a registration ID, registration settings, and authentication settings through operation 507, may be referred to as a “registration operation.”

[0124] In operation 509, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may transmit a registration ID and information related to registration settings and authentication settings to an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (610)) via the communication circuit (410).

[0125] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may transmit, to the external electronic device through the communication circuit (410) (e.g., NFC circuit (411) or Bluetooth circuit (412)), a registration ID corresponding to the external electronic device, information indicating that the registration setting is set to a first value, and information indicating that the authentication setting is set to a second value (and information indicating that the authentication history setting is set to the second value) based on completing a registration operation for the external electronic device (e.g., generating a registration ID, registration settings, and authentication settings for the external electronic device).

[0126] Although not illustrated in FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may receive, from the external electronic device via the communication circuit (410), information related to a registration ID and values ​​of registration settings (and values ​​of authentication settings) generated for the wearable electronic device (401) in the external electronic device. The processor (440) may determine that a registration operation for the wearable electronic device (401) is completed in the external electronic device based on the information related to the registration ID and values ​​of registration settings received from the external electronic device. For example, the processor (440) may determine that a registration operation for the wearable electronic device (401) is completed in the external electronic device based on the determination that information indicating that the values ​​of the registration settings for the wearable electronic device (401) are set to a first value together with a registration ID corresponding to the wearable electronic device (401) is received.

[0127] In one embodiment, the external electronic device can determine that a registration operation for the external electronic device is completed on the wearable electronic device (401) based on receiving from the wearable electronic device (401) a registration ID corresponding to the wearable electronic device (401), information indicating that a registration setting is set to a first value, and information indicating that a value of an authentication setting is set to a second value (and information indicating that an authentication history setting is set to the second value).

[0128] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may perform an initial authentication operation (hereinafter also referred to as “initial authentication” or “initial authentication operation”) for the wearable electronic device (401) based on receiving from the wearable electronic device (401) a registration ID corresponding to the wearable electronic device (401), information indicating that a registration setting is set to a first value, and information indicating that a value of an authentication setting is set to a second value (and information indicating that an authentication history setting is set to the second value).

[0129] In one embodiment, the initial authentication operation may be an operation to authenticate that the user of the wearable electronic device (401) and the user of the external electronic device are the same.

[0130] In one embodiment, the initial authentication operation may be an operation to authorize the wearable electronic device (401) to control the operation of the external electronic device by authenticating the user of the external electronic device while the wearable electronic device (401) is worn on the user's finger.

[0131] In one embodiment, an external electronic device may perform initial authentication using a specified authentication method.

[0132] In one embodiment, as shown in reference numeral 701 of FIG. 7, an external electronic device (610) may perform an initial authentication operation using a fingerprint authentication method. For example, the external electronic device (610) may display a screen (710) including an image (711) for guiding fingerprint input through a display. The external electronic device (610) may perform an initial authentication operation based on a user's fingerprint input on an area (e.g., an area corresponding to the position of a fingerprint sensor (421)) within the screen (710) where the image (711) is displayed.

[0133] In one embodiment, as shown in reference numeral 702 of FIG. 7, the external electronic device (610) may perform an initial authentication operation using a password input method. For example, the external electronic device (610) may display a screen (720) including objects for password input (e.g., object (721), object (722)) through a display. The external electronic device (610) may perform an initial authentication operation based on a user input for the objects included in the screen (720).

[0134] In one embodiment, as reference numeral 703 of FIG. 7 , the external electronic device (610) may perform an initial authentication operation using a pattern input method. For example, the external electronic device (610) may display a screen (730) including objects for pattern input (e.g., object (731), object (732)) through a display. The external electronic device (610) may perform an initial authentication operation based on a user input for the objects included in the screen (730).

[0135] However, the authentication method used by the external electronic device (610) to perform initial authentication is not limited to the aforementioned authentication methods. For example, the external electronic device (610) may perform initial authentication using an authentication method utilizing iris recognition or an authentication method utilizing facial recognition.

[0136] In one embodiment, the external electronic device (610) may perform initial authentication using an authentication method set for unlocking the external electronic device. For example, if a fingerprint authentication method is set for unlocking the external electronic device, the external electronic device (610) may perform initial authentication using a fingerprint authentication method.

[0137] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may display a screen corresponding to an authentication method to be used for initial authentication, based on receiving, from the wearable electronic device (401), a registration ID corresponding to the wearable electronic device (401), information indicating that the registration setting is set to a first value, and information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to a second value (and information indicating that the authentication history setting is set to the second value). For example, the external electronic device may display, through the display, a screen corresponding to an authentication method to be used for initial authentication (e.g., a screen for fingerprint authentication) in a pop-up form, based on receiving the registration ID and the information from the wearable electronic device (401).

[0138] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may transmit information indicating that the user is authenticated to the wearable electronic device (401) based on a successful initial authentication. For example, if the initial authentication operation is performed by a fingerprint authentication method, the external electronic device may transmit information indicating that the user is authenticated (or information indicating that the initial authentication is successful, or information indicating that the wearable electronic device (401) is granted authority to control the operation of the external electronic device, or information instructing the wearable electronic device (401) to set the value of the authentication setting corresponding to the registration ID for the external electronic device to the first setting) to the wearable electronic device (401) based on a successful fingerprint authentication performed by the user's fingerprint input.

[0139] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may change the value of the authentication settings stored (or set) mapped to the registration ID for the wearable electronic device (401) from a second value to a first value based on a successful initial authentication.

[0140] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may transmit information indicating that the user is not authenticated to the wearable electronic device (401) based on a failure in the initial authentication. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the external electronic device may not transmit information related to the failure of the initial authentication to the wearable electronic device (401) based on a failure in the initial authentication.

[0141] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may maintain the value of the authentication settings stored (or set) mapped to the registration ID for the wearable electronic device (401) as a second value based on the failure of the initial authentication.

[0142] In one embodiment, the reauthentication operations described below may be performed based on the success of the initial authentication operation. For example, an external electronic device may perform reauthentication operations only if the initial authentication operation has a history of success.

[0143] In operation 511, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may set the value of the authentication setting to a first value based on receiving information indicating that the user is authenticated from an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (610)) via the communication circuit (410).

[0144] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may change the value of the authentication setting from a second value to a first value based on receiving information from the external electronic device via the communication circuit (410) indicating that the initial authentication performed on the external electronic device was successful.

[0145] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may change the value of the authentication force setting from a second value to a first value based on receiving information from the external electronic device via the communication circuit (410) indicating that the initial authentication performed by the external electronic device was successful.

[0146] FIG. 8 is a flowchart (800) for explaining a method for controlling the operation of an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0147] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a method for controlling the operation of an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, in one embodiment, operations 801 to 805 of FIG. 8 may be operations performed after a registration operation and an initial authentication operation for a wearable electronic device (401) are successful.

[0149] In operation 801, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may control the operation of an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (610)) with the authentication setting set to a first value.

[0150] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may control the operation of the external electronic device by transmitting a signal including information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to the first value to the external electronic device through the communication circuit (410) (e.g., the NFC circuit (411)) based on the proximity of the wearable electronic device (401) worn on the user's finger to the external electronic device (e.g., using NFC communication) while the registration setting mapped to the registration ID for the external electronic device is set to the first value and the authentication setting mapped to the registration ID is set to the first value.

[0151] In one embodiment, a user may bring a wearable electronic device (401) worn on a user's finger and an external electronic device within a distance where NFC communication is possible. For example, in FIG. 9, the user may hold an external electronic device (610) while wearing the wearable electronic device (401) on a finger (921). The user may move the finger (921) so that the wearable electronic device (401) worn on the finger (921) (e.g., an NFC chip of the wearable electronic device (401)) and the external electronic device (e.g., an NFC chip of the external electronic device) come within a distance where NFC communication is possible (or so that the wearable electronic device (401) and the external electronic device come into contact). In this case, the processor (440) may transmit, to the external electronic device through the NFC circuit (411), a registration ID for the external electronic device, information indicating that the registration setting is set to the first value, and information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to the first value.

[0152] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may perform an operation of the external electronic device based on receiving, from the wearable electronic device (401), a registration ID for the external electronic device, information indicating that the registration setting is set to a first value, and information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to the first value. For example, the external electronic device may determine that a registration operation is performed between the wearable electronic device (401) and the external electronic device based on the registration ID for the external electronic device and the information indicating that the registration setting is set to the first value. The external electronic device may perform an operation of the external electronic device that is set (or configurable) to be performed when the wearable electronic device (401) approaches the external electronic device within a specified distance (e.g., during an NFC communication connection) without user authentication (e.g., additional authentication or re-authentication), based on the information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to the first value.

[0153] In one embodiment, the operation of the external electronic device, which is set to be performed when the wearable electronic device (401) comes into proximity to the external electronic device within a specified distance (e.g., a distance within which NFC communication is possible between the wearable electronic device (401) and the external electronic device), may include at least one of an operation of unlocking the external electronic device, an operation of activating the external electronic device (e.g., a component included in the external electronic device), or an operation of the external electronic device displaying AOD (always on display) information through a display of the external electronic device.

[0154] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may unlock the external electronic device when the wearable electronic device (401) (e.g., the wearable electronic device (401) worn on the user's finger and having the authentication setting set to the first value) approaches within a specified distance to the external electronic device (e.g., during an NFC communication connection), and when the wearable electronic device (401) receives a signal from the wearable electronic device (401) that includes information indicating that the authentication setting is set to the first value.

[0155] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may activate a configuration included in the external electronic device when the wearable electronic device (401) (e.g., the wearable electronic device (401) worn on a user's finger and having an authentication setting set to a first value) approaches within a specified distance to the external electronic device (e.g., during an NFC communication connection), and the external electronic device receives a signal from the wearable electronic device (401) that includes information indicating that the authentication setting is set to a first value. For example, the external electronic device may switch the state of the processor (440) of the external electronic device from a sleep state to a wake up state when the signal is received from the wearable electronic device (401). For example, the external electronic device may switch the display of the external electronic device from a turn off state to a turn on state when the signal is received from the wearable electronic device (401). For example, when the external electronic device receives the signal from the wearable electronic device (401) while other components except the NFC circuit (411) of the external electronic device are in a power off state (e.g., only the NFC circuit (411) of the external electronic device is activated), the state of the external electronic device can be switched from a power off state to a power on state.

[0156] In one embodiment, when the external electronic device receives a signal from the wearable electronic device (401) (e.g., a wearable electronic device (401) worn on a user's finger and having an authentication setting set to a first value) within a specified distance from the external electronic device, including information indicating that the authentication setting is set to the first value, the external electronic device may display an AOD screen (e.g., a screen including date, time, notifications, and / or battery information) through a display of the external electronic device.

[0157] However, the operation of the external electronic device that is set (or can be set) to be performed when the wearable electronic device (401) approaches within a specified distance to the external electronic device is not limited to the examples described above.

[0158] In one embodiment, the actions of the external electronic device that are configured (or can be configured) to be performed when the wearable electronic device (401) approaches within a specified distance from the external electronic device may include actions that ensure that user authentication performed by the payment application is successful. For example, the external electronic device may determine that user authentication requested by the payment application is successful when the wearable electronic device (401) approaches within a specified distance from the external electronic device while the external electronic device is executing the payment application.

[0159] In one embodiment, the operation of the external electronic device that is configured (or can be configured) to be performed when the wearable electronic device (401) approaches within a specified distance from the external electronic device may include an operation of executing a configured application based on a user input. For example, the external electronic device may execute a configured call application based on a user input when the wearable electronic device (401) approaches within a specified distance from the external electronic device.

[0160] In one embodiment, the NFC circuit (411) of the external electronic device can verify a registration ID for the wearable electronic device (401), information indicating that a value of the registration setting is set to a first value, and information indicating that a value of the authentication setting is set to the first value, received from the wearable electronic device (401). Based on the verification, the NFC circuit of the external electronic device can transmit a signal related to the verification to a processor (e.g., an application processor) of the external electronic device so that the processor performs a designated operation. For example, the NFC circuit of the external electronic device may determine whether the value of the registration setting is stored as the first value and the value of the authentication setting is stored as the first value in the external electronic device (e.g., an EEPROM of the NFC circuit) for the registration ID corresponding to the wearable electronic device (401) based on the registration ID for the wearable electronic device (401), information indicating that the value of the registration setting is set to the first value, and information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to the first value, which are received from the wearable electronic device (401). The NFC circuit of the external electronic device may transmit a signal to the processor of the external electronic device so that the processor of the external electronic device performs a specified operation based on the fact that the value of the registration setting is stored as the first value and the value of the authentication setting is stored as the first value in the external electronic device for the registration ID for the wearable electronic device (401).

[0161] In one embodiment, when a plurality of operations of the external electronic device are set to be performed when the wearable electronic device (401) approaches within a specified distance to the external electronic device, the external electronic device can perform the plurality of operations when the wearable electronic device (401) approaches within the specified distance to the external electronic device.

[0162] In operation 803, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may detect, via the sensor (420), that the wearable electronic device (401) is removed from the user's finger.

[0163] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may obtain a PPG signal (e.g., a waveform of the PPG signal) through a biometric sensor (422) (e.g., a PPG sensor). The processor (440) may detect, based on the obtained PPG signal, that the wearable electronic device (401) is detached from the user's finger. The processor (440) may confirm, based on the obtained PPG signal, that the state of the wearable electronic device (401) has changed from being worn on the user's finger to being removed. However, the method of detecting that the wearable electronic device (401) is removed from the user's finger is not limited to the method of using the aforementioned PPG sensor. For example, the processor (440) can detect that the wearable electronic device (401) is taken off (or put on) on the user's finger based on whether a signal related to at least one of the user's body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, stress index, or blood oxygen concentration is recognized through the biometric sensor (422) (or temperature sensor).

[0164] In operation 805, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may set the value of the authentication setting to a second value indicating that authentication of the user is required for the wearable electronic device (401) to control the operation of the external electronic device based on detecting that the wearable electronic device (401) is removed from the user's finger.

[0165] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may change the value of the authentication setting corresponding to the external electronic device from the first value to the second value based on detecting that the wearable electronic device (401) is detached from the user's finger. In one embodiment, the processor (440) may maintain the value of the registration setting corresponding to the external electronic device (and the value of the registration history setting authentication setting) at the first value when the wearable electronic device (401) is detached from the user's finger.

[0166] FIG. 10 is a flowchart (1000) for explaining a method for performing a first re-authentication using a finger joint fingerprint according to one embodiment.

[0167] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method for performing a first re-authentication using a finger joint fingerprint according to one embodiment.

[0168] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in one embodiment, FIGS. 10 and 11 may be operations performed after performing the operations of FIG. 8. For example, as described above, the processor (440) may set the value of the authentication setting to a second value based on the wearable electronic device (401) being detached from the user's finger. The processor (440) may perform re-authentication using a finger joint fingerprint (hereinafter referred to as "first re-authentication") so that the wearable electronic device (401) can control the operation of an external electronic device (e.g., to change the value of the authentication setting from the second value to the first value).

[0169] In operation 1001, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may detect, via the sensor (420), that the wearable electronic device (401) is being worn on the user's finger. For example, the processor (440) may detect that the wearable electronic device (401) is being re-worn on the user's finger based on a signal (e.g., a PPG signal) obtained via a biometric sensor (422) (e.g., a PPG sensor).

[0170] In operation 1003, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may obtain fingerprint information of a joint of a user's finger through the sensor (420). For example, the processor (440) may obtain fingerprint information of a joint of a user's finger through the fingerprint sensor (421) based on detecting wearing of a wearable electronic device (401) on the user's finger.

[0171] In operation 1005, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may perform authentication using the acquired fingerprint information.

[0172] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may register fingerprint information of the joints of the user's finger before performing the operations of FIG. 10.

[0173] In one embodiment, in FIG. 11, the processor (440) may register fingerprint information for at least one of the joints (e.g., joint (1111), joint (1112), and joint (1113)) of the user's (1100) finger. For example, the processor (440) may obtain fingerprint information for the joint of the finger through the fingerprint sensor (421) while the wearable electronic device (401) is in contact with the joint of the user's (1100) finger. The processor (440) may store the obtained fingerprint information as registered fingerprint information in the memory (430).

[0174] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may register fingerprint information for each of two or more joints of the user's (1100) finger (e.g., joint (1111), joint (1112), and joint (1113)).

[0175] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may compare the finger joint fingerprint information acquired through the fingerprint sensor (421) with the registered fingerprint information after the fingerprint information of the user's finger joint is registered (hereinafter, the registered fingerprint information for fingerprint information comparison is referred to as "registered fingerprint information"). The processor (440) may determine that the first re-authentication (authentication using the finger joint fingerprint information) is successful based on the similarity between the finger joint fingerprint information acquired through the fingerprint sensor (421) and the registered fingerprint information being greater than or equal to a threshold similarity. The processor (440) may determine that the first re-authentication is unsuccessful based on the similarity between the finger joint fingerprint information acquired through the fingerprint sensor (421) and the registered fingerprint information being less than the threshold similarity.

[0176] In operation 1007, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may set the value of the authentication setting to a first value based on the success of the authentication (first re-authentication). For example, the processor (440) may change the value of the authentication setting corresponding to the external electronic device (e.g., the registration ID of the external electronic device) from a second value to the first value based on the success of the first re-authentication.

[0177] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may control the operation of the external electronic device as described through operation 801 of FIG. 8 when the value of the authentication setting is set to the first value. For example, when the wearable electronic device (401) and the external electronic device come close within a specified distance (e.g., during NFC communication connection), the processor (440) may transmit a registration ID for the external electronic device, information indicating that the registration setting is set to the first value, and information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to the first value to the external electronic device, so that the external electronic device performs an operation (e.g., an operation set to be performed when the wearable electronic device (401) comes close) through the NFC circuit (411).

[0178] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may maintain the value of the authentication setting at a second value based on a failure in authentication (first re-authentication).

[0179] FIG. 12 is a flowchart (1200) for explaining a method for performing a second re-authentication using biometric information according to one embodiment.

[0180] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method for performing a second re-authentication using biometric information according to one embodiment.

[0181] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in one embodiment, FIGS. 12 and 13 may be operations performed after performing the operations of FIG. 10. For example, based on the failure of the first re-authentication using the user's finger joint fingerprint, the processor (440) may perform re-authentication using biometric information (hereinafter referred to as "second re-authentication") so that the wearable electronic device (401) can control the operation of an external electronic device (e.g., to change the value of the authentication setting from a second value to a first value).

[0182] In operation 1201, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may obtain biometric information through the biometric sensor (422) (and the temperature sensor) based on a failure in the first re-authentication using the finger joint fingerprint while the wearable electronic device (401) is worn (e.g., re-worn) on the user's finger. For example, the processor (440) may obtain biometric information (hereinafter referred to as "biometric information") including at least one of the user's body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, stress index, or blood oxygen concentration through the biometric sensor (422) (or the temperature sensor).

[0183] In operation 1203, in one embodiment, the processor (440) can check whether the acquired biometric information corresponds to biometric information stored in the memory (430).

[0184] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can perform a second re-authentication by checking whether the acquired biometric information corresponds to biometric information stored in the memory (430).

[0185] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may obtain a probability density function (probability density function of a normal distribution) for biometric information before performing the operations of FIG. 12. For example, the processor (440) may obtain (e.g., calculate) the average value and standard deviation of the biometric information obtained through the biometric sensor (422) (and the temperature sensor) during a specified period (e.g., one week, one month) from the time of obtaining the biometric information in operation 1201. Based on the average value and standard deviation of the biometric information, the processor (440) may calculate a probability density function for the biometric information, such as [Mathematical Formula 1] below.

[0186]

[0187] In one embodiment, in [Mathematical Formula 1], f(x) may represent a probability density function for biometric information, μ may represent an average value of biometric information, and σ may represent a standard deviation of biometric information.

[0188] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may store the probability density function of each biometric information in the memory (430). In one embodiment, the processor (440) may store the average value and standard deviation of each biometric information in the memory (430).

[0189] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can determine whether the biometric information obtained through operation 1201 corresponds to the biometric information stored in the memory (430) by determining whether the biometric information obtained through operation 1201 falls within a specified range based on the biometric information stored in the memory (430). For example, in FIG. 13, a graph (1310) may represent a probability density function for the biometric information. μ represents the mean value of the biometric information, and σ represents the standard deviation of the biometric information. The processor (440) can determine whether the biometric information obtained through operation 1201 corresponds to the biometric information stored in the memory (430) based on the fact that the biometric information obtained through operation 1201 falls within a specified range of -a (e.g., a lower limit of the specified range corresponding to approximately -2.5% based on μ) to +a (e.g., an upper limit of the specified range corresponding to approximately +2.5% based on μ) based on the mean value (μ) of the biometric information. The processor (440) can determine that the biometric information obtained through operation 1201 does not correspond to the biometric information stored in the memory (430) based on the fact that the biometric information obtained through operation 1201 does not fall within a specified range based on the average value (μ) of the biometric information.

[0190] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may determine that the second re-authentication is successful based on whether the biometric information acquired through operation 1201 corresponds to the biometric information stored in the memory (430). The processor (440) may determine that the second re-authentication is unsuccessful based on whether the biometric information acquired through operation 1201 does not correspond to the biometric information stored in the memory (430).

[0191] In one embodiment, if the biometric information includes multiple biometric information, the processor (440) may determine that the second re-authentication is successful based on whether the multiple biometric information acquired through operation 1201 corresponds to the multiple biometric information stored in the memory (430). For example, the processor (440) may determine that the second re-authentication is successful based on whether all of the multiple biometric information acquired through operation 1201 corresponds to the multiple biometric information stored in the memory (430). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, if the biometric information includes multiple biometric information, the processor (440) may determine that the second re-authentication is successful based on whether some of the biometric information (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature) acquired through operation 1201 corresponds to some of the biometric information (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature) stored in the memory (430).

[0192] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may update biometric information stored in the memory (430) using biometric information acquired through operation 1201 after performing the second re-authentication.

[0193] In operation 1205, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may set the value of the authentication setting to a first value based on whether the acquired biometric information corresponds to the biometric information stored in the memory (430). For example, the processor (440) may change the value of the authentication setting corresponding to the external electronic device (e.g., the registration ID of the external electronic device) from the second value to the first value based on whether the second re-authentication is successful.

[0194] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may control the operation of the external electronic device as described through operation 801 of FIG. 8 when the value of the authentication setting is set to the first value.

[0195] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may maintain the value of the authentication setting at a second value based on a failure in authentication (second re-authentication).

[0196] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may perform the first re-authentication again based on a failure in the authentication (second re-authentication).

[0197] FIG. 14 is a flowchart (1400) for explaining a method of performing a third re-authentication according to one embodiment.

[0198] Referring to FIG. 14, in one embodiment, the operations of FIG. 14 may be authentication operations performed after performing the operations of FIG. 8 or when the first re-authentication of FIG. 10 and the second re-authentication of FIG. 12 fail. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the operations of FIG. 14 may be operations that can be performed after performing the operations of FIG. 8, and may be operations independent of the operations for the first re-authentication of FIG. 10 and the operations for the second re-authentication of FIG. 12 (e.g., operations that can be performed before performing the operations for the first re-authentication of FIG. 10 or the operations for the second re-authentication of FIG. 12).

[0199] In one embodiment, the authentication described in FIG. 14 may be authentication (hereinafter also referred to as “third re-authentication”) using a method of authenticating a user of an external electronic device while the wearable electronic device (401) is worn on the user’s finger after the aforementioned initial authentication is successful (e.g., assuming that the initial authentication is successful).

[0200] In operation 1401, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may detect, via the sensor (420), that the wearable electronic device (401) is being worn on the user's finger. For example, the processor (440) may detect that the wearable electronic device (401) is being re-worn on the user's finger based on a signal (e.g., a PPG signal) obtained via a biometric sensor (422) (e.g., a PPG sensor).

[0201] In operation 1403, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may transmit, via the communication circuit (410), information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to a second value (e.g., a signal including information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to a second value) to an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (610)).

[0202] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may transmit, to the external electronic device via the communication circuit (410) (e.g., the NFC circuit (411)), a registration ID for the external electronic device, information indicating that the registration setting is set to a first value, and information indicating that the authentication setting is set to a second value (and information indicating that the registration history setting is set to the first value) as the wearable electronic device (401) approaches within a specified distance from the external electronic device.

[0203] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may perform an operation for third re-authentication using a designated authentication method based on information received from the wearable electronic device (401). For example, the external electronic device may perform an operation for third re-authentication using a designated authentication method based on receiving, from the wearable electronic device (401), information indicating that the authentication setting is set to a second value and information indicating that the registration history setting is set to a first value. For example, the external electronic device may perform authentication using at least one of a fingerprint authentication method, a password input method, and a pattern input method as the designated authentication method.

[0204] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may transmit information to the wearable electronic device (401) indicating that the third re-authentication is successful based on the success of the authentication using the specified authentication method.

[0205] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may transmit information indicating that the third re-authentication has failed to the wearable electronic device (401) based on the failure of authentication using the specified authentication method. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the external electronic device may not transmit information related to the failure of authentication using the specified authentication method to the wearable electronic device (401) based on the failure of authentication using the specified authentication method.

[0206] In operation 1405, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may set a value of an authentication setting (e.g., a value of an authentication setting corresponding to the external electronic device) to a first value based on receiving information indicating that the third re-authentication is successful from the external electronic device via the communication circuit (410) (e.g., the NFC circuit (411)).

[0207] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a method for setting an operation for unlocking an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0208] Referring to FIG. 15, in one embodiment, an external electronic device (e.g., a smart phone) can set an operation of the external electronic device based on a user input such that when a wearable electronic device (401) worn on a user's finger approaches within a specified distance to the external electronic device, the operation of the external electronic device is performed.

[0209] In one embodiment, FIG. 15 may illustrate a screen (1510) for unlocking settings displayed on an external electronic device.

[0210] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may set the screen unlock by using a method utilizing proximity of the wearable electronic device (401) (e.g., a smart ring), in addition to a PIN number (e.g., a number) input method, a password (e.g., a combination of English letters and numbers) input method, a pattern input method, a drag input method, a face recognition method, and a fingerprint recognition method. For example, in FIG. 15, the external electronic device may obtain (e.g., receive) a user input for an object (1511) to set a method utilizing proximity of the wearable electronic device (401) (e.g., a method utilizing NFC communication by bringing the wearable electronic device (401) described above into proximity or contact with the external electronic device within a specified distance) as a method for screen unlock. The external electronic device may set the method utilizing proximity of the wearable electronic device (401) as a method for screen unlock based on the user input for the object (1511).

[0211] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining a method for setting an operation of displaying AOD information of an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0212] Referring to FIG. 16, in one embodiment, an external electronic device (e.g., a smart phone) may set AOD information so that the external electronic device displays AOD information (e.g., an AOD screen) when the wearable electronic device (401) is in proximity to the wearable electronic device based on a user input.

[0213] In one embodiment, FIG. 16 may illustrate a screen (1610) for setting AOD information display displayed on an external electronic device.

[0214] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may obtain (e.g., receive) a user input for an object (1612) for setting AOD information (e.g., an object (1612) that is displayed together with information (611) indicating AOD information settings and that can activate or deactivate the settings in a toggle manner) so that the external electronic device displays AOD information when the wearable electronic device (401) is in proximity. Based on the user input, the external electronic device may set the AOD information so that the external electronic device displays the AOD information when the wearable electronic device (401) is in proximity.

[0215] In one embodiment, while the external electronic device is operating in a sleep mode (e.g., a mode in which only the NFC circuit (411) in the external electronic device is activated), the external electronic device may perform NFC communication with the wearable electronic device (401) using the NFC circuit (411). When the AOD information is set so that the external electronic device displays AOD information when the wearable electronic device (401) is in proximity, the external electronic device may display AOD information only when the wearable electronic device (401) is in proximity, thereby reducing power consumption in the external electronic device.

[0216] FIG. 17 is a drawing for explaining a method for setting an operation for activating an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0217] Referring to FIG. 17, in one embodiment, an external electronic device (e.g., a smart phone) may set an action to activate at least a portion of a configuration of the external electronic device upon proximity of the wearable electronic device (401) based on a user input.

[0218] In one embodiment, FIG. 17 may illustrate a screen (1710) for activating at least a portion of a configuration of an external electronic device upon proximity of a wearable electronic device (401) displayed on the external electronic device.

[0219] In one embodiment, the external electronic device may obtain (e.g., receive) a user input for an object (1711) for setting to activate at least a portion of a configuration of the external electronic device upon proximity of the wearable electronic device (401). The external electronic device may set, based on the user input, to activate at least a portion of the configuration of the external electronic device upon proximity of the wearable electronic device (401). For example, after the setting is set, the external electronic device may switch the state of a processor of the external electronic device from a sleep state to a wake up state upon proximity of the wearable electronic device (401). For example, after the setting is set, the external electronic device may switch the display of the external electronic device from a turn off state to a turn on state upon proximity of the wearable electronic device (401). For example, when the external electronic device comes into proximity with the wearable electronic device (401) while other components except the NFC circuit of the external electronic device are in a power-off state after the above setting is set (e.g., only the NFC circuit of the external electronic device is activated), the state of the external electronic device can be switched from the power-off state to the power-on state. For example, when the external electronic device is held by a finger wearing the wearable electronic device (401) (e.g., when the external electronic device and the wearable electronic device (401) come into contact or come into proximity) without an input for a power key (or also referred to as a “power key”) (e.g., an input for pressing the power key) while other components except the NFC circuit of the external electronic device are in a power-off state after the above setting is set), the state of the external electronic device can be switched from the power-off state to the power-on state.

[0220] FIG. 18 is a flowchart (1800) for explaining a registration operation and an initial authentication operation according to one embodiment.

[0221] Referring to FIG. 18, in operation 1801, a wearable electronic device (401) (e.g., a smart ring) and an external electronic device (610) (e.g., a smart phone) may establish a connection between the wearable electronic device (401) and the external electronic device (610) using Bluetooth communication or NFC communication.

[0222] In operation 1803, in one embodiment, the external electronic device (610) can check the registration history of the wearable electronic device (401). For example, the external electronic device (610) can check whether the registration ID and the value of the registration setting for the wearable electronic device (401) (e.g., the first value as the value of the registration setting) are stored in the external electronic device (610).

[0223] In operation 1805, in one embodiment, if the registration history for the wearable electronic device (401) is not confirmed in the external electronic device (610), the wearable electronic device (401) and the external electronic device (610) may perform the registration operation described through operations 503 to 507 of FIG. 5.

[0224] In operation 1807, in one embodiment, if the registration history for the wearable electronic device (401) is confirmed in the external electronic device (610) or if the performance of the registration operation in operation 1805 is completed, the external electronic device (610) can perform initial authentication to determine whether the initial authentication is successful.

[0225] In operation 1809, in one embodiment, based on the success of the initial authentication performed on the external electronic device (610), the wearable electronic device (401) and the external electronic device (610) may each set the value of the authentication setting (and the value of the authentication force setting) to a first value.

[0226] In one embodiment, based on the success of the initial authentication performed on the external electronic device (610), the wearable electronic device (401) and the external electronic device (610) may each maintain the value of the authentication settings (and the value of the authentication personnel settings) as a second value.

[0227] FIG. 19 is a flowchart (1900) for explaining a re-authentication operation according to one embodiment.

[0228] Referring to FIG. 19, after a registration operation and an initial authentication operation are performed in operation 1901 (e.g., after the registration operation is completed and the initial authentication is successful), in one embodiment, in operation 1903, the wearable electronic device (401) may detect that the wearable electronic device (401) is removed from the user's finger.

[0229] In operation 1905, in one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (401) may set a value of an authentication setting to a second value based on detecting that the wearable electronic device (401) is removed from the user's finger. For example, the wearable electronic device (401) may change a value of an authentication setting for an external electronic device (610) (e.g., mapped to a registration ID for the external electronic device (610)) from a first value to a second value based on detecting that the wearable electronic device (401) is removed from the user's finger.

[0230] In operation 1907, in one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (401) can perform a first re-authentication using the user's finger joint fingerprint to determine whether the first re-authentication is successful.

[0231] In one embodiment, at operation 1917, the wearable electronic device (401) may set the value of the authentication setting to a first value based on the success of the first re-authentication.

[0232] In operation 1909, in one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (401) can perform a second re-authentication using biometric information based on the failure of the first re-authentication using the user's finger joint fingerprint in operation 1907, thereby determining whether the second re-authentication is successful.

[0233] In one embodiment, at operation 1917, the wearable electronic device (401) may set the value of the authentication setting to the first value based on the success of the second re-authentication.

[0234] In operation 1911, in one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (401) may perform a third re-authentication using the external electronic device (610) based on the failure of the second re-authentication using biometric information in operation 1909.

[0235] Based on the success of the third re-authentication in the external electronic device (610) in operation 1913, in one embodiment, in operation 1915, the external electronic device (610) may transmit information indicating that the third re-authentication is successful to the wearable electronic device (401). In one embodiment, if the third re-authentication in the external electronic device (610) fails, the external electronic device (610) may transmit information indicating that the third re-authentication is failed to the wearable electronic device (401), or may not transmit a separate signal.

[0236] In operation 1917, in one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (401) may set the value of the authentication setting to a first value based on receiving information from the external electronic device (610) indicating that the third re-authentication is successful.

[0237] Although FIG. 19 illustrates that a third re-authentication is performed when the second re-authentication fails, this is not a limitation. For example, the third re-authentication may be performed based on bringing the wearable electronic device (401) and the external electronic device (610) into proximity while the authentication setting value in the wearable electronic device (401) is set to the second value by operation 1905.

[0238] A wearable electronic device according to one embodiment may include a communication circuit, a sensor, at least one processor including a processing circuit, and a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to control an operation of the external electronic device by transmitting a signal to the external electronic device through the communication circuit, the signal including information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to a first value, based on the wearable electronic device being worn on a user's finger and approaching the external electronic device, while the value of the authentication setting indicating whether user authentication is required to control an operation of the external electronic device is set to a first value. The first value may indicate that the wearable electronic device can control the operation of the external electronic device without authentication of the user. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to detect, through the sensor, that the wearable electronic device is removed from the user's finger. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to set a value of the authentication setting to a second value indicating that authentication of the user is required for the wearable electronic device to control the operation of the external electronic device based on detecting that the wearable electronic device is removed from the user's finger.

[0239] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to detect, through the sensor, that the wearable electronic device is worn on the user's finger, while the value of the authentication setting is set to the second value. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to acquire, through the sensor, fingerprint information of a joint of the user's finger, based on detecting that the wearable electronic device is worn on the user's finger, while the value of the authentication setting is set to the second value. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to perform the authentication using the acquired fingerprint information. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to set, based on the authentication being successful, the value of the authentication setting to the first value.

[0240] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to acquire biometric information of the user through the sensor based on a failure in authentication using the acquired fingerprint information. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to determine whether the acquired biometric information corresponds to biometric information stored in the memory. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to set a value of the authentication setting to the first value based on the acquired biometric information corresponding to biometric information stored in the memory.

[0241] In one embodiment, the acquired biometric information may include at least one of the user's body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen concentration, or stress index. The biometric information stored in the memory may include at least one of the user's average body temperature, average blood pressure, average heart rate, average blood oxygen concentration, or average stress index. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to determine whether the acquired biometric information falls within a specified range based on the biometric information stored in the memory. Based on whether the acquired biometric information falls within the specified range based on the biometric information stored in the memory, the value of the authentication setting may be set to the first value.

[0242] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to detect, through the sensor, that the wearable electronic device is worn on the user's finger while the value of the authentication setting is set to the second value. After detecting that the wearable electronic device is worn on the user's finger while the value of the authentication setting is set to the second value, the instructions may further cause the wearable electronic device to transmit, through the communication circuit, a signal including information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to the second value to the external electronic device, such that the external electronic device performs an operation of authenticating the user based on the wearable electronic device approaching the external electronic device within the specified distance.

[0243] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to transmit, prior to generating the authentication setting, a unique identity (ID) of the wearable electronic device to the external electronic device via the communication circuitry based on the wearable electronic device being connected to the external electronic device while the wearable electronic device is worn on the user's finger. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to receive, prior to generating the authentication setting, from the external electronic device via the communication circuitry, a unique ID of the external electronic device. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to generate a registration ID by combining the unique ID of the wearable electronic device and the unique ID of the external electronic device, and to generate a registration setting and the authentication setting indicating whether the registration ID has been generated, prior to generating the authentication setting. The value of the registration setting may be set to a first value indicating that the registration ID is generated, and the value of the authentication setting may be set to the second value. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to transmit, through the communication circuit, to the external electronic device, the registration ID, information indicating that the value of the registration setting is set to the first value, and information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to the second value, before generating the authentication setting, so that the external electronic device performs authentication of the user using a specified authentication method.The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to set a value of the authentication setting to the first value based on receiving information from the external electronic device through the communication circuit indicating that authentication of the user using an authentication method specified by the external electronic device has been successful before generating the authentication setting.

[0244] In one embodiment, the values ​​of the registration settings and the values ​​of the authentication settings may be mapped to the registration ID. The registration ID, the values ​​of the registration settings, and the values ​​of the authentication settings may be stored in an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) of an NFC (near field communication) circuit included in the communication circuit.

[0245] In one embodiment, the operation of the external electronic device may include at least one of an operation of unlocking the external electronic device, an operation of activating a configuration included in the external electronic device, or an operation of the external electronic device displaying always on display (AOD) information through a display of the external electronic device.

[0246] In one embodiment, the operation of the external electronic device may be set based on a user input to the external electronic device, such that when the wearable electronic device worn on the user's finger approaches the external electronic device within a specified distance, the operation of the external electronic device is performed.

[0247] In one embodiment, the communication circuit may include an NFC circuit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the wearable electronic device to transmit, to the external electronic device through the NFC circuit, the signal including the value of the authentication setting based on the wearable electronic device being worn on the user's finger and being within a distance where NFC communication can be performed with the external electronic device.

[0248] A method for controlling an operation of an external electronic device in a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment may include an operation of controlling an operation of the external electronic device by transmitting a signal including information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to the first value to the external electronic device through a communication circuit of the wearable electronic device based on the wearable electronic device being worn on a user's finger and approaching the external electronic device while a value of an authentication setting indicating whether user authentication is required to control the operation of the external electronic device is set to a first value. The first value may indicate that the wearable electronic device can control the operation of the external electronic device without authentication of the user. The method may include an operation of detecting that the wearable electronic device is removed from the user's finger through a sensor of the wearable electronic device. The method may include an operation of setting a value of the authentication setting to a second value indicating that authentication of the user is required for the wearable electronic device to control the operation of the external electronic device based on detecting that the wearable electronic device is removed from the user's finger.

[0249] In one embodiment, the method may include an operation of detecting, through the sensor, that the wearable electronic device is worn on the user's finger while the value of the authentication setting is set to the second value. The method may further include an operation of acquiring fingerprint information of a joint of the user's finger while the sensor detects that the wearable electronic device is worn on the user's finger while the value of the authentication setting is set to the second value. The method may further include an operation of performing the authentication using the acquired fingerprint information. The method may further include an operation of setting the value of the authentication setting to the first value based on the authentication being successful.

[0250] In one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of acquiring biometric information of the user through the sensor based on a failure in authentication using the acquired fingerprint information. The method may further include an operation of determining whether the acquired biometric information corresponds to biometric information stored in the memory. The method may further include an operation of setting the value of the authentication setting to the first value based on whether the acquired biometric information corresponds to biometric information stored in the memory.

[0251] In one embodiment, the acquired biometric information may include at least one of the user's body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen concentration, or stress index. The biometric information stored in the memory may include at least one of the user's average body temperature, average blood pressure, average heart rate, average blood oxygen concentration, or average stress index. The operation of determining whether the acquired biometric information corresponds to the biometric information stored in the memory may include the operation of determining whether the acquired biometric information falls within a specified range based on the biometric information stored in the memory. The operation of setting the value of the authentication setting to the first value based on whether the acquired biometric information corresponds to the biometric information stored in the memory may include the operation of setting the value of the authentication setting to the first value based on whether the acquired biometric information falls within the specified range based on the biometric information stored in the memory.

[0252] In one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of detecting, through the sensor, that the wearable electronic device is worn on the user's finger while the value of the authentication setting is set to the second value. The method may further include an operation of transmitting, through the communication circuit, a signal including information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to the second value to the external electronic device, based on the wearable electronic device approaching the external electronic device within the specified distance, so that the external electronic device performs an operation of authenticating the user, after detecting that the wearable electronic device is worn on the user's finger while the value of the authentication setting is set to the second value.

[0253] In one embodiment, the method may further include, before generating the authentication settings, transmitting a unique ID (identity) of the wearable electronic device to the external electronic device through the communication circuit based on the wearable electronic device being connected to the external electronic device while the wearable electronic device is worn on the user's finger. The method may further include, before generating the authentication settings, receiving a unique ID of the external electronic device from the external electronic device through the communication circuit. The method may further include, before generating the authentication settings, generating a registration ID by combining the unique ID of the wearable electronic device and the unique ID of the external electronic device, and generating a registration setting indicating whether the registration ID has been generated and the authentication setting. The value of the registration setting may be set to a first value indicating that the registration ID has been generated, and the value of the authentication setting may be set to the second value. The method may further include an operation of transmitting, to the external electronic device via the communication circuit, the registration ID, information indicating that the value of the registration setting is set to the first value, and information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to the second value, so that the external electronic device performs authentication of the user using a designated authentication method before generating the authentication setting. The method may further include an operation of setting the value of the authentication setting to the first value based on receiving, from the external electronic device via the communication circuit, information indicating that authentication of the user using the designated authentication method in the external electronic device is successful, before generating the authentication setting.

[0254] In one embodiment, the values ​​of the registration settings and the values ​​of the authentication settings may be mapped to the registration ID. The registration ID, the values ​​of the registration settings, and the values ​​of the authentication settings may be stored in an EEPROM of an NFC circuit included in the communication circuit.

[0255] In one embodiment, the operation of the external electronic device may include at least one of an operation of unlocking the external electronic device, an operation of activating a configuration included in the external electronic device, or an operation of the external electronic device displaying AOD information through a display of the external electronic device.

[0256] In one embodiment, the operation of the external electronic device may be set based on a user input to the external electronic device, such that when the wearable electronic device worn on the user's finger approaches the external electronic device within a specified distance, the operation of the external electronic device is performed.

[0257] In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having recorded thereon computer-executable instructions, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause a wearable electronic device to control an operation of the external electronic device by transmitting a signal to the external electronic device through a communication circuit of the wearable electronic device, the signal including information indicating that a value of an authentication setting indicating whether user authentication is required to control an operation of the external electronic device is set to a first value, based on the wearable electronic device being worn on a user's finger and approaching the external electronic device. The first value may indicate that the wearable electronic device can control the operation of the external electronic device without authentication of the user. The computer-executable instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to detect, through a sensor of the wearable electronic device, that the wearable electronic device is removed from the user's finger. The computer-executable instructions, when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to set a value of the authentication setting to a second value indicating that authentication of the user is required for the wearable electronic device to control the operation of the external electronic device based on detecting that the wearable electronic device has been removed from the user's finger.

[0258] Additionally, the structure of the data used in the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium through various means. The computer-readable recording medium includes storage media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, etc.).

Claims

In a wearable electronic device (401), Communication circuit (410); sensor (420); At least one processor (440) comprising processing circuitry; and Includes a memory (430) that stores instructions, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: A method of controlling an operation of an external electronic device, wherein a value of an authentication setting indicating whether user authentication is required to control an operation of an external electronic device is set to a first value, and based on the wearable electronic device worn on the user's finger approaching the external electronic device, a signal including information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to the first value is transmitted to the external electronic device through the communication circuit, thereby controlling an operation of the external electronic device, wherein the first value indicates that the wearable electronic device can control the operation of the external electronic device without user authentication. Detecting that the wearable electronic device is removed from the user's finger through the sensor, and A wearable electronic device that causes the wearable electronic device to set a value of the authentication setting to a second value indicating that authentication of the user is required to control the operation of the external electronic device based on detecting that the wearable electronic device is removed from the user's finger. In the first paragraph, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: When the value of the above authentication setting is set to the second value, the wearable electronic device is detected to be worn on the user's finger through the sensor, Based on detecting that the wearable electronic device is worn on the user's finger while the value of the above authentication setting is set to the second value, fingerprint information of the joint of the user's finger is acquired through the sensor, The authentication is performed using the fingerprint information obtained above, and A wearable electronic device further causing the value of the authentication setting to be set to the first value based on the success of the authentication. In the second paragraph, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: Based on the failure of authentication using the acquired fingerprint information, the user's biometric information is acquired through the sensor, Checking whether the acquired biometric information corresponds to the biometric information stored in the memory, and A wearable electronic device further causing the value of the authentication setting to be set to the first value based on whether the acquired biometric information corresponds to the biometric information stored in the memory. In the third paragraph, The acquired biometric information includes at least one of the user's body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen concentration, or stress index, The biometric information stored in the memory includes at least one of the user's average body temperature, average blood pressure, average heart rate, average blood oxygen concentration, or average stress index, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: Checking whether the acquired biometric information is included within a specified range based on the biometric information stored in the memory, and A wearable electronic device that causes the value of the authentication setting to be set to the first value based on the fact that the acquired biometric information is included within the specified range based on the biometric information stored in the memory. In any one of claims 1 to 4, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: In a state where the value of the above authentication setting is set to the second value, detecting that the wearable electronic device is worn on the user's finger through the sensor, and A wearable electronic device further causing the wearable electronic device to transmit a signal including information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to the second value to the external electronic device through the communication circuit, so that the external electronic device performs an operation of authenticating the user based on the wearable electronic device approaching the external electronic device within a specified distance after detecting that the wearable electronic device is worn on the user's finger while the value of the authentication setting is set to the second value. In any one of claims 1 to 5, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: Based on the wearable electronic device being connected to the external electronic device while the wearable electronic device is worn on the user's finger, the unique ID (identity) of the wearable electronic device is transmitted to the external electronic device through the communication circuit, Receive a unique ID of the external electronic device from the external electronic device through the communication circuit, Generating a registration ID by combining a unique ID of the wearable electronic device and a unique ID of the external electronic device, generating a registration setting indicating whether the registration ID has been generated and the authentication setting, wherein a value of the registration setting is set to a first value indicating that the registration ID has been generated, and a value of the authentication setting is set to the second value, Transmitting the registration ID, information indicating that the value of the registration setting is set to the first value, and information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to the second value to the external electronic device through the communication circuit so that the external electronic device performs authentication of the user using a specified authentication method, and A wearable electronic device further causing the value of the authentication setting to be set to the first value based on receiving information indicating that the user's authentication using the authentication method specified in the external electronic device is successful from the external electronic device through the communication circuit. In paragraph 6, The values ​​of the above registration settings and the values ​​of the above authentication settings are mapped to the above registration ID, A wearable electronic device in which the registration ID, the value of the registration setting, and the value of the authentication setting are stored in an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) of an NFC (near field communication) circuit included in the communication circuit. In any one of claims 1 to 7, A wearable electronic device, wherein the operation of the external electronic device includes at least one of an operation of unlocking the external electronic device, an operation of activating a configuration included in the external electronic device, or an operation of the external electronic device displaying AOD (always on display) information through a display of the external electronic device. In paragraph 8, A wearable electronic device in which an operation of the external electronic device is set based on a user input to the external electronic device so that the operation of the external electronic device is performed when the wearable electronic device worn on the user's finger approaches the external electronic device within a specified distance. In any one of claims 1 to 9, The above communication circuit includes an NFC circuit, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the wearable electronic device to: A wearable electronic device further causing the wearable electronic device to transmit the signal including the value of the authentication setting to the external electronic device through the NFC circuit based on the wearable electronic device being worn on the user's finger approaching the external electronic device within a distance at which NFC communication can be performed. A method for controlling the operation of an external electronic device in a wearable electronic device, An operation of controlling an operation of the external electronic device by transmitting a signal including information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to the first value to the external electronic device through a communication circuit of the wearable electronic device based on the wearable electronic device worn on the user's finger approaching the external electronic device while the value of the authentication setting indicating whether user authentication is required to control the operation of the external electronic device is set to a first value, wherein the first value indicates that the wearable electronic device can control the operation of the external electronic device without authentication of the user; An action of detecting that the wearable electronic device is removed from the user's finger through a sensor of the wearable electronic device; and A method comprising: detecting that the wearable electronic device is removed from the user's finger; setting the value of the authentication setting to a second value indicating that authentication of the user is required for the wearable electronic device to control the operation of the external electronic device. In paragraph 11, An operation of detecting that the wearable electronic device is worn on the user's finger through the sensor while the value of the above authentication setting is set to the second value; An operation of acquiring fingerprint information of a joint of the user's finger through the sensor based on detecting that the wearable electronic device is worn on the user's finger while the value of the authentication setting is set to the second value; An operation of performing the authentication using the acquired fingerprint information; and A method further comprising an action of setting the value of the authentication setting to the first value based on the success of the authentication. In paragraph 12, An operation of acquiring biometric information of the user through the sensor based on a failure in authentication using the acquired fingerprint information; An operation for checking whether the acquired biometric information corresponds to the biometric information stored in the memory; and A method further comprising an action of setting the value of the authentication setting to the first value based on whether the acquired biometric information corresponds to biometric information stored in the memory of the wearable electronic device. In paragraph 13, The acquired biometric information includes at least one of the user's body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen concentration, or stress index, The biometric information stored in the memory includes at least one of the user's average body temperature, average blood pressure, average heart rate, average blood oxygen concentration, or average stress index, The operation of checking whether the acquired biometric information corresponds to the biometric information stored in the memory includes the operation of checking whether the acquired biometric information is included within a specified range based on the biometric information stored in the memory. A method in which the operation of setting the value of the authentication setting to the first value based on the fact that the acquired biometric information corresponds to the biometric information stored in the memory includes the operation of setting the value of the authentication setting to the first value based on the fact that the acquired biometric information is included within the specified range based on the biometric information stored in the memory. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions recorded thereon, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause a wearable electronic device to: A method of controlling an operation of an external electronic device, wherein a value of an authentication setting indicating whether user authentication is required to control an operation of an external electronic device is set to a first value, and based on the wearable electronic device worn on the user's finger approaching the external electronic device, a signal including information indicating that the value of the authentication setting is set to the first value is transmitted to the external electronic device through a communication circuit of the wearable electronic device, thereby controlling an operation of the external electronic device, wherein the first value indicates that the wearable electronic device can control the operation of the external electronic device without authentication of the user. Detecting that the wearable electronic device is removed from the user's finger through a sensor of the wearable electronic device, and A computer-readable storage medium that causes the wearable electronic device to set a value of the authentication setting to a second value indicating that authentication of the user is required to control the operation of the external electronic device based on detecting that the wearable electronic device is removed from the user's finger.

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